Evaluation of Dental Radiography and Treatment Needs in 3-19-year-old Swedish Patients: a Retrospective, Controlled Comparison of Extremely Preterm–born and Very Preterm–born With Full Term–born Children and Adolescents

Abstract Background: Preterm birth has been shown to cause various long-term health issues. Children who were born preterm have also been observed to have more behaviour management problems (BMP) during dental examinations and treatment than children born full term. It is known that dental radiographic examinations can be uncomfortable and cause anxiety in paediatric patients. Our aims were to compare a matched control group of full term-born children and adolescents with preterm–born children and adolescents concerning oral health outcomes, such as prevalence of BMP, missed appointments, caries, treatment needs, including the need for a dental radiographic examination, and experience of orthodontic treatment. Methods: The present study included 311 patient files: 122 very preterm–born and 33 extremely preterm–born children and adolescents (<32 gestational week). A matched control group of 156 full term–born children and adolescents (≥ 37 gestational week) was analysed for comparison. Various factors, including BMP, missed appointments, dental caries, and radiographic examinations, were retrieved from the dental records for three age intervals: 3–6 years, 7–12 years, and 13–19 years. Results: Extremely preterm–born children missed significantly more dental appointments and presented with more BMP during dental examinations and treatment than full term–born children in the 3–6-year age group; the same was observed for the very preterm–born in the 7–12-year age groups. No significant differences in BMP during bitewing and periapical examinations or in number of periapical and panoramic radiographs occurred between the groups in any age interval. Conclusions: The same dental care approach can be used for any child, regardless of gestational age at birth, regarding dental radiography, caries, and treatment needs. However, preterm–born children and adolescents should be given more flexibility in rebooking and receive reminders for scheduled visits with the general dental team.